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Our tartines

The story about

Magazine

14 November 2024

One slice of bread… and countless variations…. The slices of our handmade 2kg bread serve as the canvas for a myriad of seasonal ingredients. They come together to become our tartines, the Belgian take on the sandwich. Other than the closed-faced sandwich, a tartine is an open-faced version popular in Belgium. At once simple and elegant, our tartines bring taste to the table and delight to the palate. Did you know the word tartine etymologically stems from the old French, diminutive of tarte (tart)? The word tartiner in French literally means “to spread”; in our case: to spread butter, cheese, and ingredients on a slice of sourdough bread.  

Chapter 01

Our tartines

The Art of the Tartine

Tartines at Le Pain Quotidien are more than just a meal; they are a celebration of culinary artistry and the vibrant flavors of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each slice of our handmade 2kg bread acts as a blank canvas, inviting creativity and exploration. The process of crafting a tartine begins with selecting seasonal ingredients that pair harmoniously with our organic sourdough bread. Whether it's creamy avocado, ripe tomatoes, or tangy cheeses, each component is carefully chosen to create a symphony of flavors and textures.

Chapter 02

Our tartines

From Tarte to Tartine

The etymology of the word tartine offers a glimpse into its delightful simplicity. Derived from Old French, the term emphasizes the act of spreading—be it butter, cheese, or other delectable toppings—onto a slice of bread. This simple gesture has evolved into a cherished culinary practice, one that transforms everyday ingredients into extraordinary meals. At Le Pain Quotidien, we embrace this tradition, inviting guests to experience the joy of spreading and savoring.

Chapter 03

Our tartines

How to eat your tartine?

At Le Pain Quotidien, the tartine is more than just a meal—it's a ritual. Follow this simple guide to fully savor every bite of your open-faced sandwich, as our tradition suggests. From selecting your tartine with care, to picking it up delicately, each step enhances the connection to the wholesome ingredients on your plate. Eating a tartine is a delightful, sensory experience—one that invites you to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of life, just as it was meant to be.

Final thoughts

Our tartines

In conclusion, tartines at Le Pain Quotidien are a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the power of high-quality ingredients. By honoring the Belgian tradition, we invite our guests to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates taste, texture, and creativity. Whether enjoyed as a leisurely breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a delightful snack, each tartine is crafted with care and served with pride, offering a taste of Belgium with every bite.

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Relationships forged around a communal table

Our first communal table on Rue Dansaert in Brussels was made out of wood recovered from the floors of Belgian trains that had been taken out of service. Those simple planks became a tradition. Today, this same rough, reclaimed wood continues to bring rustic comfort to our restaurants, and the communal tables have become our centerpieces. We believe that the community is what nurtures, inspires, and feeds the soul. Our tables are long enough for all to fit and narrow enough for all to talk; they are where friends reconnect, and new friendships, relationships, and career paths are forged over the shared appreciation of delicious food and good company.  For every new table, the old wood is planed and sanded until it feels completely smooth, and the surface only gets better after years of guests’ hands touching it and hosts cleaning it.

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Belgian Hot chocolate and hand warmers

When our founder, Alain Coumont, was a young boy in Belgium, he went to his “grandmère’s” house every Wednesday afternoon where she greeted him with a small bowl of steaming hot chocolate. Alain cupped his hands around it, letting the warmth seep into his body and chase away winter’s frigid chill. As a chef, he carried the memory of that warmth to the tables of Le Pain Quotidien. To this day, simple bowls still stir memories of a child’s delight and still carry warmth to our friends. Whether it’s in the form of piping hot chocolate or some organic tea, you’ll receive this same welcome with our wide, round bowls. Hold it in your hands and feel at ease. 

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Welcome home

Le Pain Quotidien means "the daily bread". And to us, that means everything. It’s much more than mere sustenance; it’s a way of life.

Simple. Fresh. Honest.

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Our menu celebrates natural, honest ingredients, prepared freshly every day. And at the heart of it all is the bread that brings everything together.